Baku Protest Against Housing Compensation

BAKU -- About 1,000 people have gathered in downtown Baku to protest against the government's offer of compensation for homes due to be demolished as part of an urban renewal plan in the Azerbaijani capital.

Residents of the Yasamal district, also called the "Sovetsky" district, turned out in Baku's center on February 16, demanding more money from the state for the loss of their homes.

The government has offered 1,500 manat (some $2,050) per square meter for homes that are due to be razed, but protesters say the current market price for square meters of property in the area they are being forced to abandon is some 5,000 manat.

The protesters said the government's offer is not enough to pay for a new home.

Police and local officials were present during the protest but did not interfere.

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